No abstract

Androstenedione is a steroidal hormone produced in male and female gonads, as well as in the adrenal glands, and it is known for its key role in the production of estrogen and testosterone. Androstenedione is also sold as an oral supplement, that is being utilized to increase testosterone levels. Simply known as “andro” by athletes, it is commonly touted as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. By boosting testosterone levels, it is thought to be an enhancer for athletic performance, build body muscles, reduce fats, increase energy, maintain healthy RBCs, and increase sexual performance. Nevertheless, several of these effects are not yet scientifically proven. Though commonly used as a supplement for body building, it is listed among performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) which is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, as well as the International Olympic Committee. This review focuses on the action mechanism behind androstenedione’s health effects, and further side effects including clinical features, populations at risk, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and toxicokinetics. A review of androstenedione regulation in drug doping is also presented.

Herbal medicine is used by millions of diabetic patients due to economic and cultural factors. The current study investigates the antidiabetic potential of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg in a Streptozocin-induced diabetic model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received either intraperitoneal fenugreek [daily (ED) or every other day (EOD)] or oral fenugreek supplement daily, for four weeks. Results show that fenugreek significantly reduced blood glucose. Urea levels were reduced after daily intraperitoneal injection, and creatinine levels dropped after oral treatment, respectively. AST and ALT levels were reduced following fenugreek treatment, while protein levels significantly increased. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased after daily injections, while triglycerides decreased significantly in all groups. Glutathione S-transferase and catalase increased with treatment, while peroxidase antioxidant enzyme levels were reduced. Glutathione peroxidase levels increased only after daily injection. Histologically, fenugreek mildly protected hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tissues. In conclusion, the current study shows some potential benefits of fenugreek use. Oral and injectable fenugreek showed improvement in blood glucose, renal and liver functions. Although triglyceride levels decreased significantly, no significant changes in cholesterol levels were seen after fenugreek use. Higher doses and longer fenugreek treatment duration are recommended for the optimum protection of the liver, kidneys, and pancreatic tissues.

Metabolites profiling of Adansonia digitata L. in relation to its biological activity.

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to ameliorate complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the oral curcumin supplement versus parenteral administration of turmeric extract on diabetic complications in a streptozocin (STZ) diabetic model. STZ DM rats received low and high doses turmeric extract intraperitoneally as well as oral curcumin. Curcumin and turmeric extracts significantly reduced blood glucose and creatinine levels, but not urea, and caused an increase in uric acid. Low dose improved liver enzymes, while higher dose and oral administration caused an increase in the ALT and AST. All groups showed an improvement in the serum cholesterol, while the triglycerides were not improved in the high and oral treatment. Histological evaluation showed islet cell protection. High‐dose injection showed almost intact renal corpuscles as well as tubular structures with minimal degeneration. Treatment showed limited protection of Liver tissue. Practical application Curcumin has been heavily marketed as a protective agent. The current study shows some potential risk of curcumin use. Oral and injectable curcumin should be used with caution. Turmeric extract and oral curcumin supplement showed protective effects on pancreatic, and renal structure and function. Although both did show some improvement in liver function, higher doses caused disturbance in liver enzymes and did not show histological evidence of liver tissue protection.